Sam started selling promotional products, such as pens and calendars in 1957 for the Thomas D. Murphy company out of his hometown - Red Oak, Iowa.

In 1888, two enterprising young men, Edmond Osborne and Thomas D. Murphy, purchased a woodcut of the Montgomery County Courthouse that was under construction at the time.  To offset the expense of the woodcut, they decided to sell advertising around the picture and add a calendar pad.  Because of their venture, Red Oak became known as the birthplace of the art calendar industry.  The Thos. D. Murphy Co., was in existence for over 100 years. ~www.redoakiowa.com

Since that time, the Murphy company has changed hands twice and ended up with a name change!  First to JII Promotions out of Coshockton, Ohio, then to Affiliate Lee Wayne Corp. from Sterling, Illinois, and finally the name change to Halo Branded Solutions!.

The company was started in 1889, and although the name no longer exists, the company continues the tradition of creating quality calendars and promotional products.

And since 1957, Sam Peterson continues to sell anything you can print a name on! Currently, he is working with his grand-daughter, Andrea, and her partner Chris Turner who are continuing the family business!